After Axel's death, the days turned to weeks, then months, and Roxas had done nothing. He no longer stayed for ice-cream with Xion, for Axel's death created a silent void between them. Although Roxas was the one who had brought Xion, who had befriended her, Axel was the filler. He kept the three of them alive, so to speak.
Back when he'd been around, no-one had noticed Roxas' silent onlooker, creeping silently behind him wherever he went, the hood pulled down over his face, watching, ever-present. Now, as Roxas walked, footsteps filled his ears. Breath was hot on his neck. He caught glimpses of black flash by where nothing was present. Now, he had no distractions from the truth. Now, he saw.
'Caught you!' he yelled, hoping to scare the follower into surrender, attempting to hide his own fear.
'Heh, heh, so you did… Roxas.' Out of the shadows, Marluxia pulled off the hood he hid behind for the past few months, since he started following the boy. Roxas jumped.
'Marluxia?'
'Yes, me.' Marluxia stepped closer, hands held high. He twinkled a seductive smile.
'W-why were you following me?' Roxas tried to keep cool, but his voice betrayed him. It broke, trembling slightly.
'Ha ha, do I note some fear? Dear, dear. Roxas, you needn't be afraid.'
Roxas was silent.
Marluxia whispered breathily into his ear, 'Roxas, you are scared. You don't have to be. I can protect you so much better than he did, and so much better than he ever could. I would never have made you fight any Heartless by yourself, no matter who else was in danger, and I… Well, I could keep you safe… Forever.'